AUSTIN, May 22, 2012 - Your old appliances and energy-hogging equipment could be wasting hundreds of dollars in energy each year. Take advantage of the Texas ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday during Memorial Day Weekend and get a break from state and local sales taxes on the purchase of select ENERGY STAR appliances and products. You could save hundreds of dollars off the product types below and experience up to 75 percent in energy savings from your new ENERGY STAR products as compared to standard models.

Who Can Shop

Anyone in Texas can buy these products on the 3-day weekend at a store in Texas or from an Internet or catalog seller engaged in business in this state. This includes homebuilders, real estate developers, dealers, service providers and contractors. Products may be purchased for existing homes, new homes and non-residential properties.

Look for the ENERGY STAR logo on the packaging, appliance or Energy Guide

label for the appliances listed below. There is no limit on the number of qualifying

items one can purchase during this sales tax holiday. The purchased items may be

held in inventory until ready for use.

Air conditioners priced at $6,000 or less

Refrigerators priced at $2,000 or less

Ceiling fans

Incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs

Clothes washers

Dishwashers

Dehumidifiers

Programmable thermostats*

* ENERGY STAR specification of programmable thermostats was suspended on December 31, 2009; however, any existing stock of ENERGY STAR labeled programmable thermostats offered for sale by retailers is still eligible for the exemption.

To qualify for the ENERGY STAR label, an appliance must meet rigorous energy efficiency and water efficiency standards set by the Federal government. These appliances use less energy and less water than regular appliances and thus help the consumer save money each month on their utility bills.

ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy for products that meet strict energy efficiency guidelines.